Tapestry of Faith: Faithful Journeys: A Program about Pilgrimages of Faith in Action for Grades 2-3

Activity 6: Creating Wands

Activity time: 15 minutes

Materials for Activity

  • Wooden sticks or dowels, approximately 1/3 inch in diameter and 10 - 12 inches long, for all participants, at least one leader, and any visitors, and extras for children who finish quickly
  • Decorating materials such as feathers; mini-"gems"; embroidery thread; gift ribbon; water-based paints, cups for water, and paint brushes; markers; and stickers that suggest the Unitarian Universalist Principles
  • Tape
  • Optional: Hot glue gun
  • Newspaper

Preparation for Activity

  • Find sticks in nature, or purchase sticks or dowels at a craft or hardware store. Star-topped dowels for wand making are available at many craft stores; however, these are not recommended for this activity. The plainer the sticks to begin with, the more room children have to add their own "magic."
  • Obtain decorating materials and adhesives. Embroidery thread can be wrapped tightly around a wand. Gift ribbon may need to be taped or glued in place. Gems or feathers will stick best on wood with a hot glue gun, which an adult should use to attach items where children want them. Representational stickers (such as of animals, natural settings, people, or a world map) or children's-language UU Principles stickers may help children specify the positive change they wish to help create.
  • Cover work tables with newspaper.
  • Set out decorating materials. If you are using paints, pour them into small cups for participants to share.

Description of Activity

Gather children at work tables. Tell them they will make their own wands as a symbol for the kind of magic they want to create. Remind them that good magic starts with a good intention. Ask them to take a moment in their own heads to develop an intention - a positive change they want to make. You may ask children to share their intentions with the group.

Now ask if they remember what else is needed to make magic the Unitarian Universalist pagan way. Affirm: focus and energy. Tell them they will have about 15 minutes to focus on their intention and raise some energy by decorating their own wand.

Distribute wands and set out decorating materials.

At least one co-leader should make a wand in order to lead the next activity, Blessing of the Wands.

Children who finish quickly can be invited to make a second wand if there are sufficient supplies.